Friendly Forests, Our Hope in the Face of Climate Change: Citizen's Climate Radio

Guest-host Peterson Toscano of Citizen's Climate Radio is sitting in today, and he brings with him a wealth of connections to world-healing work. In this episode, host Peterson guides us through exploring the role forests play in addressing the causes and impacts of climate change, both in urban and rural settings. Six guests provide personal narratives, expert insights, and actionable strategies that will inform and inspire climate advocates. This episode also delves into Pennsylvania’s rich forest history, from its old-growth forests to modern-day conservation efforts, highlighting its original inhabitants' legacy of sustainable stewardship. Toscano notes, “PA has a legacy of being one of the more heavily wooded states in the USA… But If you walk through the over 15 million acres of forests in Pennsylvania, only 1% of that is original old-growth forest.” This fact highlights our landscapes' dramatic changes and the need for a renewed focus on forest conservation. If you want to make a difference on your campus or in your community, students at Allegheny College have an answer for you. A Food Forest. Ashlynn Peachey, Nicholas Waddington, and Katie Mowry, students at Allegheny College talk about their pioneering Food Forest project. Former forester and coal miner, Van Wagner, now teaches Agriculture Science at the Area High School in Danville, Pennsylvania. He is also a singer/songwriter and storyteller. Van Wagner offers a historical perspective, emphasizing the longevity of sustainable practices. Taylor Lightman grew up in the Borough of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, (population 5232) “a delightfully cozy little town nestled on the banks, the Susquehanna River, one of the oldest river valleys in the world, older than the Nile.” He then went to college in Northfield, Minnesota, and then to grad school in Lund, Sweden where he completed a Master’s in disaster risk management and climate change adaptation.

To learn more about Citizens Climate Radio, visit their blog. Learn how you can engage in meaningful climate work by visiting Citizens Climate Lobby. Learn more about Peterson at his website.